The Freeport Newshttp://thefreeportnews.com
Grand Bahama's First NewspaperThu, 17 Aug 2017 20:27:14 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.1http://thefreeportnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngThe Freeport Newshttp://thefreeportnews.com
3232Govt. seeking to make GB tech hub of The Bahamashttp://thefreeportnews.com/news/govt-seeking-make-gb-tech-hub-bahamas/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:26:48 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21660Senator Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister said, recently, that the government is actively seeking to capitalize, on what he referred to as high investment interest on the island of Grand Bahama. Noting that with Freeport already known as the industrial capital of The Bahamas, the Free National Movement (FNM) government Continue Reading

]]>Senator Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister said, recently, that the government is actively seeking to capitalize, on what he referred to as high investment interest on the island of Grand Bahama.

Noting that with Freeport already known as the industrial capital of The Bahamas, the Free National Movement (FNM) government is seeking to make good on its promise of making the island of Grand Bahama, the technology hub of the Commonwealth, similar to that of the Silicon Valley technologically saturated San Francisco Bay area in California.

“We are urgently working on putting together what I call a temporary emergency investment policy for Grand Bahama, which will involve a number of things with respect to how we approve applications and how we put together certain taxes.

“We want to put together a certain package that will invite investment to come to Grand Bahama … that is what we are working on right now and should be able to update you again very shortly,” Thompson revealed.

“We promised that we would do our best to make Grand Bahama the Silicon Valley of The Bahamas, making it the technology hub of The Bahamas. In starting to do that we are going to be having the first ever Grand Bahama Tech Summit, in Grand Bahama, in October of this year,” he disclosed.

He shared that the purpose of the Technology Summit is to bring together all like minded Information Technology based professionals residing in The Bahamas, as well as those Bahamians that live abroad that are also in the field.

“It has actually begun to mushroom into something very large, in that there are some Bahamians who have contacts in Google, in Microsoft and in other huge international organizations and companies. We got to put that together for October and we believe out of that summit, we will be able to put a package together on how we can make Grand Bahama, the tech capital of The Bahamas. We are looking forward to it, we are very excited about it and we believe that it will improve a lot of things for us,” said Sen. Thompson.

]]>Solid Rock Church to host two nights of the ‘Posture Worship’ eventhttp://thefreeportnews.com/news/solid-rock-church-host-two-nights-posture-worship-event/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:16:15 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21655Solid Rock Church of the Nazarene will host Two Nights of the Posture under the theme, ‘Revival for the Remnant’ beginning 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 24 and Friday, August 25, 2017 on Settler’s Way. Rev. Keith Evans, host of the Wake Up Everybody Show serves as the host of the worship event, which features dynamic ministers and psalmists inclusive of Continue Reading

]]>Solid Rock Church of the Nazarene will host Two Nights of the Posture under the theme, ‘Revival for the Remnant’ beginning 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 24 and Friday, August 25, 2017 on Settler’s Way.

Rev. Keith Evans, host of the Wake Up Everybody Show serves as the host of the worship event, which features dynamic ministers and psalmists inclusive of New Destiny Kingdom Center Pastor Glenn Russell, Invaders for Christ Evangelist Vandel Turnquest, Kingdom worship Center International Monet Bethel, Message in the Music Marva Scott and higher Anointing Church Praise Team.

Focused on biblical scripture Ezra 9:8, which states, “But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage,” Rev. Evans greatly anticipates an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and encourages believers to attend the worship event that is bound to revive the burdened heart.

“Certainly, we invited the entire Grand Bahama community to come out and enjoy two powerful nights of intense revival and refreshing from the presence of the Lord, which is very important for the Body of Christ, as we seek to be refreshed in these last days.

“The church is at a crossroads and is in dire need of an earth shaking move of God.

“Initially, the Lord Jesus mandated to host the Wake Up Everybody Radio Show, which broadcasts online throughout the Caribbean on Dove 103.7 FM radio and I did as instructed and since starting the show God has moved mightily.

“Definitely, in Grand Bahama a move of God is needed like never yet before and, we have two dynamic speakers of the gospel who will be ministering God’s word to the remnant (church).

“Pastor Russell and Evangelist Turnquest will deliver the unadulterated word of the Lord and anointed soloists Vanessa ‘Harmony’ Theoc of Grace Church of Nazarene along with Sis. Bethel and Sis. Scott will set the atmosphere in melodious praise and worship.

“Again, we invite the community to come out and be blessed by the ministry of the Holy Spirit during these awesome nights of revival,” said Rev. Evans, who also extended sincere appreciation to Nazarene Mission Coordinator Minister Charmaine McInnis and Senior Pastors Rev. Leslie and Wilhelmina Phillips for their assistance.

]]>Teen arrested after suspected marijuana discoveryhttp://thefreeportnews.com/news/teen-arrested-suspected-marijuana-discovery/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:11:32 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21653Police in Grand Bahama arrested an 18-year-old male of Gold Rock Creek, after he was found with a quantity of Dangerous Drugs on Monday (August 14) morning. According to police information, shortly after 8:00 a.m. police were on routine patrol at the McLean’s Town Government Dock, where a male was observed acting suspiciously. As a result, officers identified themselves and Continue Reading

]]>Police in Grand Bahama arrested an 18-year-old male of Gold Rock Creek, after he was found with a quantity of Dangerous Drugs on Monday (August 14) morning.

According to police information, shortly after 8:00 a.m. police were on routine patrol at the McLean’s Town Government Dock, where a male was observed acting suspiciously.

As a result, officers identified themselves and a search ensued.

During the search the law enforcement officers discovered that the man was in possession of 4.5 lb. of suspected marijuana, with an estimated street value of $4,500.

Investigation is continuing in this matter.

The RBPF continues to encourage all residents to report any crimes and any suspicious behavior they witness. When a person reports all the facts about a crime, it helps the police assign officers in the places where crimes are occurring or where they are most likely to occur. If you don’t report crime, this allows the criminal to continue to operate without interference.

In many cases, it is the information provided by victims and witnesses that leads to the arrest of a criminal. Therefore tell the police as much as possible because no fact is too trivial. The police need the eyes and ears of all citizens.

]]>We congratulate Sen. Thompsonhttp://thefreeportnews.com/editorial-2/congratulate-sen-thompson/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:48:54 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21651It is always good and quite healthy for the nation when our politicians demonstrate maturity and a thorough understanding of the difference between an attack and gestures of advice. Unfortunately, many politicians don’t take kindly at all to certain shortcomings being addressed, to any degree. Senator Kwasi Thompson, who is the point person in the Office of the Prime Minister Continue Reading

]]>It is always good and quite healthy for the nation when our politicians demonstrate maturity and a thorough understanding of the difference between an attack and gestures of advice.

Unfortunately, many politicians don’t take kindly at all to certain shortcomings being addressed, to any degree.
Senator Kwasi Thompson, who is the point person in the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama, is proud and rightly so, of the product “A Taste of Port Lucaya” that was launched on August 3.

It is a rejuvenating event and will enhance the Port Lucaya Marketplace. However the straw/craft vendors did not experience good sales and they went public in asking for some kind of adjustment so they could share in the largesse.

Senator Thompson viewed the comments in a Freeport News article and responded with the appropriate attitude, a refreshing change of pace for someone from the political arena. He was gracious in expressing acceptance of the many praises the event has received.

He noted however that he appreciated the concerns of those who did not enjoy benefits.

The senator has pledged to “do more work” and to meet with the straw/craft vendors in the effort to give the kind of balance to “A Taste of Port Lucaya” that all and sundry can appreciate.

We congratulate Senator Thompson and take pleasure in pointing out that he is setting a trend that will inspire greater partnership throughout the island as stakeholders push to recapture the “magic” of past years.

What we have gotten out of his response is that he is not prepared to function as though he and his close associates know it all. There is recognition that going forward, adjustments will need to be made to government-endorsed programs and projects in order for best practice to be the order of the day.

We therefore appeal to the straw/craft venders to take full advantage of Senator Thompson’s invitation to meet and speak with them towards making their entrepreneur experiences in the Port Lucaya Marketplace worthwhile.

This Friday, the “A taste of Port Lucaya” project will continue. We encourage the Ministry of Tourism, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, the Port Lucaya Marketplace Management and the Grand Bahama Tourism Board to work closely with the GB Office of The Prime Minister through Senator Thompson toward making “A Taste of Port Lucaya” better for everyone.

]]>JAGS International Services, ZNS partner to host Back-to-School Extravaganza and Fun Dayhttp://thefreeportnews.com/news/jags-international-services-zns-partner-host-back-school-extravaganza-fun-day/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:46:17 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21646JAGS International Services and ZNS Broadcasting Corporation are partnering to host the First Back-to-School Extravaganza and Fun Day beginning 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2017. Understanding the economic challenges faced by parents with back-to-school preparations, Antonya Turner-Higgs, JAGS Executive Coordinator stated, “Indeed we are pleased to be working in partnership with ZNS to conduct the Back-to-School Continue Reading

]]>JAGS International Services and ZNS Broadcasting Corporation are partnering to host the First Back-to-School Extravaganza and Fun Day beginning 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2017.

Understanding the economic challenges faced by parents with back-to-school preparations, Antonya Turner-Higgs, JAGS Executive Coordinator stated, “Indeed we are pleased to be working in partnership with ZNS to conduct the Back-to-School Extravaganza & Fun Day at JAGS offices on Coral Road.

“Certainly, we are excited to extend this opportunity to the community and assist parents in securing much-needed school supplies for their children, who evidently are the leaders of tomorrow.

“We cordially invite the Grand Bahama community to come out and take full advantage of the offerings that will be available at the event inclusive of the bouncing castle, hot dogs, popcorn, sno-cones, cotton candy, games and so much more.”

With the lazy days of summer coming to a close and focused attention being placed on students’ return to the classroom, Judith Dawkins, ZNS Senior Sales Supervisor noted that the collaborative event could not have occurred at a more opportune time.
Expressing sincere elation to be given an opportunity to partner with the Back-to-School Extravaganza, Dawkins noted that the ZNS Broadcasting Corporation has been mandated to educate, inform and entertain the citizenry of The Bahamas and through initiatives and partnerships with entities like JAGS they are doing just that.

Promising a fun-filled day filled with lots of giveaways, prizes and surprises, Dawkins revealed, “Definitely this event is one the public cannot afford to miss out on as JAGS will be giving away several complimentary round trip tickets aboard any one of the international ferry services like Celebration or Balearia and the first 150 persons to attend the event will receive exclusive, limited edition JAGS backpacks filled with pens, pencils, rulers, Crayola markers and crayons, geometry sets, erasers and other supplies.
“Jags will also provide discounts on travel packages with offers from Celebration, Balearia, Bahamasair as well as hotel and car vouchers with no booking or agency fees.

“This is JAGS’ way of saying thank you and giving back to the community and once again we are so delighted to partner in this endeavor hence we encourage the public to come out and enjoy.”

Cash Cuts Barber Shop will also be providing young boys with discounts on haircuts for their return to the classroom and great prices will be available on hair care products for little girls, who want to look their best on the first day of school.

Crystal Bain, JAGS Supervisor revealed the entire staff complement looks forward to the upcoming event and having an opportunity to interact with customers from throughout the Grand Bahama community; she too encouraged parents to bring their children out to enjoy the festivities and thanked ZNS for coming on-board to assist.

]]>Are you making a living or making a life?http://thefreeportnews.com/opinion/making-living-making-life/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:36:46 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21644“‘YOU HAVE TO BE, before you do, to have lasting inner peace.’ In other words, making a living is not the same as making a life. Find what makes your heart sing and create your own music”. (The Power of Attitude, Inspired Faith- Beliefnet) Making a living refers to persons who are working on a job or in a career, Continue Reading

]]>“‘YOU HAVE TO BE, before you do, to have lasting inner peace.’ In other words, making a living is not the same as making a life. Find what makes your heart sing and create your own music”.
(The Power of Attitude, Inspired Faith- Beliefnet)

Making a living refers to persons who are working on a job or in a career, getting paid for what they do but are not necessarily happy with what they do. There are many persons who unfortunately work their whole lives but dislike what they do for a living.

Making a life, on the other hand, refers to persons who love, enjoy and are passionate about what they do while also making an income. Some may love what they do so much that they are willing to do it without pay.

Would you rather make a living or make a life? I trust that you would rather make a life but to those who are satisfied with just making a living I would have to respect your decision. This column today, however, is geared towards those who desire to make a life.

According to a survey done by USA Today, 53 percent of people in the American workplace are unhappy with their jobs. While this is a U.S. survey, I speak to persons regularly here in our country, who express the same sentiments about their jobs.

God’s word says that He knows the plans that He has for us. Do you feel that you are living that plan? You must connect with Him to discover what that plan is? God’s word also says that our gifts will make room for us. Therefore those gifts or talents you may have can also help you to earn an income and make a life for yourself.

So, how can you make a life?

In order to make a life you must first discover your purpose for living. Neale Donald Welch once said, “The two greatest days in a person’s life are the day that you are born and the day that you discover why.” Why are you here? Have you ever given that question any serious taught? For most people life is pretty routine; complete high school, probably go off to college and many who go to college do not know exactly what they want to do in life but choose a course of study because they must, they then get a job mainly because the pay is good.

How can you discover your purpose for being? Your purpose for being is usually tied to those things that you are most passionate about. Passion is the fuel that drives any dream and makes you happy to be alive. What are you passionate about? What is it that constantly absorbs your thoughts? What is it in our community or world at large that you may dislike and feel that you can possibly make a difference in? What do you feel are your talents or gifts?

We all have unique talents or gifts and interests, and one of life’s greatest challenges is to match these talents with career opportunities that bring out the best in us. It’s not always easy. Sometimes it takes much trial and error but it’s worth the effort. Consider the following two steps taken from an article in “Inspired faith by Beliefnet”, “The Power of Attitude”

Discover Your Gifts - We’re all unique and each of us has our own special gifts. Make a list of what you consider your strengths and your weaknesses. Next, don’t just assume your assumptions are correct. Get feedback from what Ken Blanchard calls “trusted truth-tellers” - friends and family members who won’t just tell you what you want to hear but who will share their true opinions. With their help you can get a realistic perspective of your gifts.

Discover What Moves You - Find your passion and strive to live your life around it. Make your list. Do your homework. There is this caution, however...have patience. Your purpose in life probably won’t surface overnight, but like love, it will find you when you least expect it.

Some people discover their purpose for being much later in life than others. One of my favorite quotes says, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” A story from the above referenced article speaks of a man by the name of John James Audubon who may have discovered his purpose late in life:

“John James Audubon was unsuccessful for most of his life. He was a terrible businessman. No matter how many times he changed locations, changed partners, or changed businesses, he still failed miserably.
Not until he understood that he must change himself did he have any shot at success.

And what changes did Audubon make? He followed his passion. He always loved the outdoors and was an excellent hunter. In addition, he was a good artist and as a hobby would draw local birds.

Once he stopped trying to be a businessman and started doing what he loved to do, his life turned around. He traveled the country observing and drawing birds, and his art ultimately was collected in a book titled Audubon’s Birds of America. The book earned him a place in history as the greatest wildlife artist ever. But more importantly, the work made him happy and provided the peace of mind he’d been seeking all his life.”

What are your hobbies? They may very well be related to your purpose for being. I understand that in today’s society where jobs are so hard to find, many people just settle because they need to be able to feed their families and following their dreams may seem a bit risky; but why be miserable doing a job just for the money when you can do something you enjoy and also make money doing it? On the other hand, there are many who have lost jobs and can now begin to consider those passions and talents as a way to make an income for themselves. Whether you are presently employed or not, I encourage you all reading this column today to discover your purpose for being and begin making a life instead of just making a living!

• Questions or comments on this article may be sent to dapsbusserv@yahoo.com

]]>New Medical Chief of Staff at PMHhttp://thefreeportnews.com/health-wellness/new-medical-chief-staff-pmh/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:34:20 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21642The Public Hospitals Authority is pleased to announce that Dr. Caroline Burnett-Garraway has been appointed Medical Chief of Staff for the Princess Margaret Hospital with effect from August 2017. With more than two and half decades as a physician in the public health sector, Dr. Burnett-Garraway brings a wealth of training and experience to her new position. A graduate of Continue Reading

]]>The Public Hospitals Authority is pleased to announce that Dr. Caroline Burnett-Garraway has been appointed Medical Chief of Staff for the Princess Margaret Hospital with effect from August 2017. With more than two and half decades as a physician in the public health sector, Dr. Burnett-Garraway brings a wealth of training and experience to her new position. A graduate of the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences undergraduate and graduate programs in Jamaica and Barbados, she began her medical career at the Princess Margaret Hospital in 1990 as a House Officer.

Starting in 1999, Dr. Burnett-Garraway served as Senior Registrar/Assistant Medical Director in the Accident and Emergency Department, eventually serving as Consultant, Medical Director and ultimately as Chief of Service for the Department from 2014 to 2017. She also held the position of Deputy Medical Chief of Staff for the hospital from 2010 to 2013. In 2004, Dr. Burnett-Garraway completed the Leadership Development for Physicians in Academic Health Centers program at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

Dr. Burnett-Garraway has formerly held the position of Chairman of the External Disaster Committee PMH and served on the Ambulatory Care Department Management Committee from 1994 - 1995. She sat on the Continuing Medical Education Committee PMH from 1999 – 2000 and she continues to sit on the Accident and Emergency Department Clinical Management Commit-tee. She served on the Health Professions Council of the Bahamas, Committee for Emergency Medical Services and Coordinator of the Emerg-ency Medical Technicians Licensure Examinations from 2002 – 2003. She is also serving on the Medical Management/Advisory Committee PMH for the second time, with her current term on the committee beginning in 2010 until the present.

In addition to her clinical and administrative experience, Dr. Burnett-Garraway is a respected medical lecturer, and holds the post of Associate Lecturer, Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of the West Indies – School of Clinical Medicine & Research program located at the Princess Margaret Hospital. She has also addressed the 29th and the 34th Annual Scientific Conference of the Medical Association of the Bahamas on “Domestic Violence and “Current Health Care Challenges” respectively, the Emergency Care Conference of the Department of Public Health on the “Principles of Emergency Medicine and Mass Casualty Management,” and the Department of Fisheries. Additionally, she has been published in peer reviewed journals, winning the Residents Prize for her paper “EMS – A Year in Review,” and in the Annals of Emergency Medicine were she was published in collaboration with Doctors Ezenkwele and Green for the paper “Emergency Medicine in the Bahamas.”

As Medical Chief of Staff Dr. Burnett-Garraway is a member of the Executive Management Committee, the Administrative body responsible for efficient and effective management of the day-to-day operations of the nation’s largest hospital. In addition to direct patient care and on-call responsibilities as a Consultant physician, in her new position she will also have oversight responsibility for the Physician and Allied Health Services of the hospital, Dr. Caroline Burnett-Garraway is an accomplished musician having played violin with the Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra, the Bahamas National Chamber Ensemble, and the ever popular Strings ‘n Tings Quartet. She is married and has one daughter.

]]>Repent: Be not afraid the Lord will fight for youhttp://thefreeportnews.com/religion/repent-not-afraid-lord-will-fight/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:27:43 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21640And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land. Joshua Chapter 8:1 Throughout our communities and cities the sin of lawlessness is increasing Continue Reading

]]>And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land. Joshua Chapter 8:1

Throughout our communities and cities the sin of lawlessness is increasing and has resulted in several people being afraid to come out of their houses. Hardships and trials have intensified worldwide and many saints have grown weary.

Numerous Commanders of the morning, the Gate Keepers, the Watchmen on the wall along with the Prayer Warriors are absent from their posts. Our Bahamas is in trouble, I heard these words: Repent: Be not afraid the LORD Will Fight for you! Let’s read from the book of Joshua Chapter seven what Yahweh spoke to Joshua after the children of Israel had trespassed against the LORD and were defeated when they went up to take the city of Ai.

Joshua was very upset and could not understand why the LORD had allowed their enemies to triumph over them. Verse (10) “And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore hast thou thus upon thy face? “ Verse (11) “Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing and have also stolen, and dissembled also, they have put it even among their own stuff.” Abba, Father told Joshua that because of their sin, Israel could not stand Victorious before their enemies. Verse (12) “Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you anymore, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.”

Joshua was instructed to sanctify the people and to seek out the accursed thing and remove it from among them. Joshua was obedient (please read chapter 7 of the book of Joshua at your leisure) therefore chapter eight opens with God encouraging Joshua and He said to him from verse (1) “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go to Ai see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land.”

I submit to you wherever you are on your journey that it is time for us as a people and as a Nation to repent! Take note of the increasing lawlessness, hardships, poverty and the desolation which has crept upon our land. Joshua tore his clothes and lay on the ground when the men of valor were slain by their enemies only to hear God tell him, they needed to repent and remove the accursed thing from among them. The questions: What is the accursed thing or things that we have among us? Have we stolen, dissembled and have put the accursed things among our own stuff? We must repent so that Yahweh, the God who has redeemed you and me, would say to us what he said to Joshua after the nation of Israel repented and sanctified themselves, “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go to Ai see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land.” No, we are not in a physical battle as Joshua and the children of Israel were against king Ai and his people but symbolically it is a spiritual battle and God is awakening His people and calling for us to repent not only individually but as a nation and to sanctify ourselves before Him! Can you hear Yahweh’ call, ‘Repent: Be not afraid the LORD will fight for you?

]]>‘Everything Rises & Falls on Leadership’http://thefreeportnews.com/religion/everything-rises-falls-leadership/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:17:29 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21638“Character is the cradle of credibility for a leader” says Dr. Myles Munroe. Character is important because Character determines destiny. True character of integrity, morality, one of humility, dignity and nobility. Character is the real substance within every great leader. Leadership is not just a person of character but Character by definition, is Leadership. We also need leaders with conviction Continue Reading

]]>“Character is the cradle of credibility for a leader” says Dr. Myles Munroe. Character is important because Character determines destiny. True character of integrity, morality, one of humility, dignity and nobility. Character is the real substance within every great leader. Leadership is not just a person of character but Character by definition, is Leadership.

We also need leaders with conviction and with conscience. Those that have and hold firm beliefs in the public as well as in private. Leaders with a resolve of Godly morals that will not fail a generation for fame, fortune, power or position. Those that will not compromise for comfortability.

Good Leaders are needed to establish a solid foundation for living, that will sustain this generation, make provisions for the next and continue on the right path in challenging economic, and crisis times.

We are thankful for great leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. , Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Sir Lynden Pindling and the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis. I must note the Character of the Bahamas’ 4th Chief leader who is introducing a “New Vision” and style of Leadership in this nation. We have watched Dr. Minnis over the last four years weather many insults, attacks and attempts of sabotage and yet in all of the tumultuous turmoil, his disposition has been unflinching and he has kept firm about his assignment, focused on the people and fair in his remarks. What a stable and disciplined Leader!! One worthy of commendation in a time such as this.

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert A. Minnis for being a man that keeps his word. Not just speaking about but busy bringing about a new culture and paradigm of reseting the mindsets of Bahamian people. The Minnis’ Administration that plans to grow the Bahamian economy includes but is not limited to:

The Appointment of a National Economic Advisory Council and An Ease of doing business Committee
• Efficient Energy Plan
• New Era of Financial Discipline
• Government departments all 10 percent Cuts
• Governments reducing ministry vehicles
• No more wastage on Foreign travels
• Forensic audits being done to recover the People’s Money
•Transforming the Hotel Corporation into a Tourism Development Corporation
• Development of Boutique resort hotels throughout the Bahama land
• Concentration and Exploration of the vast Maritime Industry of which The Bahamas has an advantage
• Introduce incentives so local produce is on all hotel menus
• Grand Bahama: Will resuscitate Grand Lucayan immediately as our people need to go to work
• In current Negotiations with Principal Owners of the assets of the Grand Lucayan and other investors to revitalize and resuscitate Grand Bahama’s economy.
With this in mind, we can tell that The Bahamas is on the right track.

]]>The Battle is the Lord’shttp://thefreeportnews.com/religion/the-battle-is-the-lords/
Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:16:19 +0000http://thefreeportnews.com/?p=21636We all face trials and battles in our daily lives; perhaps in our occupation, social or family life; we battle with temptation, thoughts of worry and depression. Some struggle with mental or physical health and others battle in their spiritual life. No matter which part of your life you are struggling in just know that whatever battle we face, the Continue Reading

]]>We all face trials and battles in our daily lives; perhaps in our occupation, social or family life; we battle with temptation, thoughts of worry and depression. Some struggle with mental or physical health and others battle in their spiritual life. No matter which part of your life you are struggling in just know that whatever battle we face, the Bible reveals the key strategy to experiencing victory. Jehoshaphat shows us God’s way to this victory when we read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30.

The scripture reveals that a great multitude was coming up against Jehoshaphat and his people; Jehoshaphat feared for their safety, their lives and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah as mentioned in verse 2. In verse 12, Jehoshaphat cried out saying, “O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”In the midst of your battle, don’t be macho or arrogant, but be humble and turn to God for His help; look to the all wise and all powerful One like Jehoshaphat, who knew they were no match for the enemy, so he turned to God in prayer.

When you have a problem, how do you respond? Do you look to yourself or do you turn to God for help? You can either fight your battles your way in your own strength or you can turn to God and fight it His way, trusting in His might and His power. Therefore, whatever battle you are facing right now, mothers, fathers, law officers, family members, Prime Minister, whoever you are, today, God is saying do not be afraid or dismayed because of what you are faced with. You will not need to fight in this battle; position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. For the battle is not yours, the battle belongs to the Lord. So, let Him fight for you; let Him fight for us all.

Let us pray: Thank you Lord for fighting against them who fight against us, for being an enemy to our enemies and an adversary to our adversaries. Help us to trust and have faith that you will bring us out of every trial and tribulation we may go through. We give you all the praise glory and honor in Jesus’ name. Amen.